AN AIRPORT runway run has been resurrected and will take place virtually this year.

Southampton Airport's annual Runway Run normally takes place on October 10, but because of Covid restrictions that hasn't been possible this year.

The airport has now teamed up with organisers Challenging Events to bring a new unique take on the 5km run.

From 9am, November 1, a group of airport staff will take to the runway to complete the run, which will be streamed live via Challenge Events’ social media channels.

Members of the public can take part remotely by downloading the STRAVA app, which includes a specific Southampton Runway Run challenge.

Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, said: “The Southampton Airport Runway Run is a fantastic event that has enabled us to welcome many of our neighbours from the local community on site for a very special challenge, so we were really disappointed that the original 2020 event could not go ahead in its normal format.

"We decided to get together with Challenging Events to come up with an alternative that would allow participants to still take part."

More than 900 unique 2020 runway run medals are available and funds raised will be used to support University Southampton Hospital’s new general intensive care unit.

Jeneen Thomsen, Interim Joint Director, Southampton Hospitals Charity said: “Every year, the unit sees around 2,500 seriously ill patients in need of critical life-saving care, and over the last few months the unit has seen an additional pressure due to coronavirus.

"The renovation of the department will ensure that patients will be treated in an environment which matches the exemplary medical care provided, and this will only be possible through support from our community and corporate partners."

Entry costs £15 and although the run will take place on November 1, anyone who wants to take part can do so at any time between then and December 1.